Azzurri

Italy, Chiesa: “ I am here because of my work on the pitch”

Italy, Chiesa: “ I am here because of my work on the pitch”

Italy newcomer Federico Chiesa spoke to the Italian media earlier today at Coverciano as the Azzurri prepare for two friendlies with Argentina and England.

Fiorentina ace Federico Chiesa was given the call last weekend by interim boss Luigi Di Biagio, and was met with plenty of excitement around the Italian fan base.

Earlier today, the 20-year old spoke at Coverciano (quotes @Azzurri on Twitter):

“I don’t feel like I’m predestined. I am here thanks to my work out on the field. I still have a lot to improve on and I must demonstrate this out on the field. I am here to learn from my teammates and the Coach.”

Chiesa certainly faces some competition in the side for Italy, but explained that he isn’t too focused on what role he will play:

“My role in the team? I am at the coach’s disposal. I will try to be prepared for wherever he asks me to play.”

The late Fiorentina captain Davide Astori and Chiesa shared the same colours together for a few seasons. The Azzurri attacker on Astori:

A boy gives the captain’s armband to Fiorentina’s player Davide Astori on February 25, 2018 before the Italian Seria A football match Fiorentina vs Chievo, in Florence. Italy international defender Davide Astori was found dead in his hotel room on March 4, 2018 in Udine, where he was due to play a Serie A game between Udinese and Fiorentina. / AFP PHOTO / Claudio GIOVANNINI (Photo credit should read CLAUDIO GIOVANNINI/AFP/Getty Images)

“Davide Astori’s passing was an immense tragedy. He was an important person to me.”

Chiesa will look to convince Di Biagio this week in training and earn his debut at some point during the international break.